Monthly Archives: February 2015

“Creeper Vine” is the new record from singer-songwriter/guitarist Luke Escombe.
Drawing its musical inspiration from the vintage sounds of artists likeChuck Berry, Freddie King, Elvis Presleyand The Rolling Stones,
the 6-track EP features songs about modern urban life –
from advice on how to manage the rat race (Drink more coffee),
live with debt and survive the tensions of a long-term marriage (Axe in the house)
to tips on how to appreciate women over the age of 30
and cope with the loss of the female prime minister in your life (Julia).

Sharp, urgent and darkly funny, the album continues in the tradition established by Escombe’s 2012 studio album “Mantown”, which spent 9 straight months in the top ten of the Australian Blues and Roots radio play charts.

2014 saw Escombe release 2 critically acclaimed live albums on the same day –
“Luke Escombe and the Corporation: Live on the Coast” and “Chronic Symphonic”.

Writing about these releases in the Sydney Morning Herald reviewer John Shand wrote:“Luke Escombe is funny and brave, a showman and an artist, a brilliantly engaging lyricist, expert tunesmith, fine guitarist and exceptional singer. Seldom is such sophistication wrapped in a coating of such overt fun. Buy both. Hear him”

Luke was nominated for a Green Room Award in 2012 for his one-man show “Chronic”, which took him to festivals around Australia as well as to the Edinburgh Fringe. He has performed 3 times at Parliament House in Canberra as well as at New Zealand’s National Museum in Wellington and spoken at conferences and health industry events across the country in his role as ambassador for Crohn’s and Colitis Australia.
He was awarded the title of “Sydney’s sexiest man voice” in 2011 in a radio competition on Mix 106.5FM and recently won the prize for Best Kid’s Show at the 2014 Sydney Fringe with his “roots musical” creation The Vegetable Plot.

“Creeper Vine” was recorded at Vienna People Studios in Sydney and features Escombe’s long-time collaborators Aaron Flower on guitar and Jamie Cameron on drums, as well as legendary rock-soul bassist Harry Brus (Renee Geyer, Kevin Borich, Billy Thorpe).Producer Michael McGlynn (L-Fresh, Little May) adds piano, organ and percussion,
with backing vocals on two tracks by soul singer Carmen Smith.

The March 12th release of “Creeper Vine” will be accompanied by a 4-city East Coast tour.
See dates below-

Irish indie-folk four-piece Raglanshave undergone a meteoric rise in popularity since their inception, going from a crowd pleasing, gig-opening favourite at Dublin’s Whelan’s hotspot to garnering widespread recognition across the UK. Now they’re coming to Australia to perform at Soundwave and release their debut album.

Saturday 21 February – Bonython Park, Adelaide

Sunday 22 February – Melbourne Showgrounds, Melbourne

Saturday 28 February – Olympic Park, Sydney

Sunday 1 March – Brisbane Showgrounds, Brisbane

This Dublin quartet are slowly but surely putting themselves on the radar. Raglans recently toured the UK supporting The Strypes, and they’ve achieved some mainstream radio airplay. Their debut album is jam-packed with feel-good tracks that will ensure you don’t forget them in a hurry. Digging Holes kicks the album off superbly, showcasing the band’s talent and likeability. This is exactly how we want to be lured into an album: with plenty of hooks and a bouncy, summery vibe. Thankfully, the fun doesn’t stop there; the guys flaunt their ability to captivate in (Lady) Roll Back the Years and Before Tonight, head-bopping and foot-tapping anthems that will instantly lift your mood and have you daydreaming of summer.

‘Raglans’, as an LP,encompasses the grouped vocals of The Lumineers, the multi-instrumentalist efforts of Of Monsters And Men, whilst highlighting the substantial post-punk camaraderie circa The Libertines.